Invasion of Buna-Gona

The Invasion of Buna-Gona occurred from 21 to 24 July 1942 when a Japanese force under General Harukichi Hyakutake landed on the northern coast of eastern New Guinea, intent on advancing to capture Port Moresby from the Australians. The Japanese forces outnumbered the Australians, who could only field a company of Australian troops and a platoon of Papuan soldiers to resist the landings. US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force squadrons bombed Buna-Gona after the Japanese landings, sinking a troop transport ship and damaging another transport and a destroyer, but the Japanese were able to come ashore and march down the Kokoda Trail towards Port Moresby. Shortly after, the Kokoda Trail campaign began as Australian reinforcements headed to resist the Japanese.